Michael Manulak (Carleton University, Ottawa) joins the GLOBE Webinar Series to discuss his new book 'Change in Global Environmental Politics: Temporal Focal Points and the Reform of International Institutions' (Cambridge). A discussant will then offer some reflections before an audience Q&A.

About the book: As wildfires rage, pollution thickens, and species disappear, the world confronts environmental crisis with a set of global institutions in urgent need of reform. Yet, these institutions have proved frustratingly resistant to change. Introducing the concept of Temporal Focal Points, Manulak shows how change occurs in world politics. By re-envisioning the role of timing and temporality in social relations, his analysis presents a new approach to understanding transformative phases in international cooperation. We may now be entering such a phase, he argues, and global actors must be ready to realize the opportunities presented. Charting the often colorful and intensely political history of change in global environmental politics, this book sheds new light on the actors and institutions that shape humanity's response to planetary decline. It will be of interest to scholars and advanced students of international relations, international organization and environmental politics and history.

About the author: Michael W. Manulak is Assistant Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. His research focuses on international organizations, global environmental politics, non-proliferation, and multilateral diplomacy. From 2014-2019, he served as an analyst within the Government of Canada, chiefly representing the government on international proliferation security issues.

Moderator: Kari Otteburn (KU Leuven)

The GLOBE Webinar Series – The Future of Global Governance – presents the latest and most cutting-edge research in global governance and gives audience members the opportunity to directly engage with leading scholars in the field. Each webinar focuses on a significant new book that has potential to shape future thought on global governance, featuring a presentation by the author, an intervention from an expert discussant, and a Q&A session with the audience.

Participation is free and the webinar can be joined from anywhere in the world. Access the GLOBE Webinar Channel and check the featured videos for the past webinars